Avanti West Coast champions local people and places at Community Rail Conference

• Avanti West Coast hosts annual Community Rail Conference in Stafford
• Community Rail Partnerships gain insight into initiatives on West Coast that engage people and places with railway
• Event aimed to foster new connections and inspire projects that make a difference

Avanti West Coast has celebrated initiatives designed to bring the railway closer to the people it serves as part of its annual Community Rail Conference.

Bringing together representatives from Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs), this year’s event, which took place in Stafford, focused on the theme of connections.

The intercity operator showcased initiatives delivered across the West Coast Main Line and the value it has brought to local communities – highlighting collaborations with different organisations and people, including artists, poets as well as schools.

It also championed projects that have transformed redundant spaces to offer facilities that engage people in the railway, such as cafes and wildflower meadows.

Attendees heard from Avanti West Coast’s Managing Director, Andy Mellors, and Social Value and Accessibility Manager, Dr Theresa Robberts, as well as representatives from Community Rail Network. During the conference CRPs discussed the importance of connecting people with the railway and offered practical tips on how to do this.

They also took part in a session to create ideas for Railway 200 – a year-long nationwide campaign starting in January 2025 to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway – to encourage applications for funding to deliver activities associated with the celebrations.

As part of its commitment to support local Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Avanti West Coast welcomed Just Crisps from Rugeley Trent Valley, to share how their product came to be stocked as part of the First Class offering, and what it means for their business.

In a nod to the community, this year’s event took place at The White Eagle Club – a venue managed by the Stafford and District Polish Association and used by people in the local area.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Our annual conference was a great opportunity to bring people together to share ideas, make new connections and gain an insight into projects that have benefitted places we serve.

“Community Rail initiatives help bring communities closer to the railway - whether it’s for learning, cultural activities, or tackling social needs – and we’re proud to play a role to deliver these. By shining a spotlight on the people, places and businesses that have been supported by Avanti West Coast and the value they’ve brought to their communities, we hope to inspire others to get involved in their railway, so they can make even more of a positive difference locally.” 

ENDS